Grab hooks, often referred to as standard or non-cradle grab hooks, are essential rigging components with a specific design to securely hold a link of chain. Their narrow, straight-sided throat is engineered to prevent the chain from moving freely within the hook, ensuring a tight grip. These hooks are crafted from corrosion-resistant and durable materials like alloy steel and medium carbon steel, with self-colored or zinc clear or yellow finishes.

Grab Hooks

Grab hooks are designed to hold - or "grab" - an entire link of chain between the inside walls of the hook; the chain does not slip over the tip of the hook. The narrow space between the walls ensures that the link does not move freely, which prevents the chain from slipping or changing length. They find extensive use in various industries such as logging, oil and gas, pulling, towing, and transport.

Application Considerations

There are several factors to consider before using a grab hook in an appropriate application:
  1. Chain Size: The chain size should be compatible with the distance between the inside walls of your hook to ensure it does not slip during use. Each of Huyett's hooks lists a "For Chain Size" measurement, so you know exactly what will work with your rigging component.
  2. Working Load: The working load is the load of the application that the hardware will bear. The hardware will have a working load limit (WLL), or rated capacity (RC). These names are interchangeable and indicate how much weight the hook can hold. As a safety precaution, consider using a hook with a slightly higher WLL than the maximum load of the application.
  3. Compatible Rigging Components: Ensure that all rigging components, such as double clevis links or quick links, meet the load requirements of your application for safe and efficient usage.
  4. Overhead Lifting: Not all chains and hardware are suitable for overhead lifting - they must be rated grade 80 or higher to fit that category. Huyett offers hooks in grade 43 and grade 70. Choose appropriate lifting hardware for overhead applications to prioritize safety.

Benefits

Grab hooks offer several benefits to rigging applications. They are:
  • Enhanced Security: Grab hooks offer a secure grip on the chain link, reducing accidental slipping and increasing the safety of the load being lifted or pulled.
  • Convenient Installation and Removal: The availability of clevis attachments allows for easy installation and removal, saving time and effort during rigging operations, while eye hooks are convenient for permanent installation.
  • Versatility in Applications: Grab hooks are versatile and find use in various industries like logging, oil and gas, and transport due to their ability to shorten or hold lengths of chain effectively.
  • Load Capacity Compliance: The listed WLL (or RC) of Huyett's lifting and rigging attachments make it easy to comply with regulations associated with your application.
  • Cost Efficiency: Since these hooks are either reusable or offer long-term permanent installation, they are an economical investment for your rigging needs.

Difference Between Clevis Grab Hooks and Eye Grab Hooks

The main difference between these two types of hooks is the attachment point at the top of the hook and their installation methods.
  • Clevis Hook: Features two legs at the top of hook with holes for a clevis pin; the pin is inserted and attached with a cotter pin, which facilitates easy installation and removal.
  • Eye Hook: Features a single closed loop at the top of the hook for permanent connection points.

What is a Slip Hook?

A slip hook features a larger area between the inside walls of the hook; the chain link rests within that space the same way it would with a grab hook (it doesn't slide over the hook tip), but the larger area allows the chain to "slip" and adjust its length or position as it's in use. Some slip hooks offer a security latch that closes the open mouth gap and keeps the chain inside the walls.

Types of Chain Hardware

Huyett offers grade 30 chain and grade 70 chain, along with a variety of chain hardware that includes:
  • Cold Shuts: An in-the-field chain repair link that is installed with a hammer
  • Quick Link: A repair link with a gate that is closed by threading the open end with an attached nut
  • Repair Lap Link: An in-the-field repair link that can be closed with a hammer or vice and re-opened with hand tools
  • Double Clevis: A link with two clevis pin ends that connect chains and/or rigging equipment
  • Snap Hook: A link with a spring-loaded snap to shut the link gate for quick installation and removal

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